Edison's Inventions Quiz

What claim does the author make about Edison?

• Edison underestimated the importance of his invention.

• Edison enjoyed his work as an inventor.

• Edison transformed society through his invention.

• Edison faced many challenges as an inventor.

Which detail from the passage supports the claim?

• “When Mr. Edison invented the electric lamp he may perhaps have thought just to produce plain light and more of it at less cost.” (paragraph 1)

• “And by all its multiple uses it has lengthened the hours of our active lives, decreased our fears, replaced the dark with good cheer, increased our safety, decreased our toil…” (paragraph 1)

• “Mr. Edison has given a long life to such service.” (paragraph 10)

• “Mr. Edison by his own genius and effort rose from modest beginnings…” (paragraph 10)

How does the author develop the central idea regarding the significance of inventions?

• by bringing attention to the annual number of inventions

• by clarifying what motivates scientists to create new inventions

• by elaborating on the many ways in which people have benefited from inventions

• by explaining how scientists transform ideas into practical inventions

What does arduous mean in paragraph 5?

• difficult

• frequent

• important

• proven

What connection does the author establish between Edison and modern inventors?

• Like Edison, modern inventors often arise from humble beginnings.

• Like Edison, modern inventors conduct research in organized laboratories.

• Like Edison, modern inventors become well-known leaders of society.

• Like Edison, modern inventors seldom realize the full impacts of their works.

How do paragraphs 7-8 develop the author’s ideas about inventions?

• by describing the problems that inventions have resolved successfully

• by emphasizing the importance of inventions to the welfare of society

• by highlighting the competitiveness of countries to produce the best inventions

• by referencing the beliefs of an important historical figure about inventions

Read the sentence from paragraph 9. "Our scientists and inventors are amongst our most priceless national possessions." Select two examples of rhetoric in paragraph 9 that advance the author’s point of view.

• ...carry scientific thought forward in steps and strides...

• ...not the material for headlines.

• ...usually known but to a few.

• ...their efforts are not unappreciated.

• ...pay its tribute to the men of this genius...

Which idea is expressed through the extended metaphor in paragraph 11?

• Some inventors are more important and beneficial to society than others.

• Great inventors arise when people have the freedom to experiment and dream.

• Modern inventors have learned a great deal from experiments of the past.

• Many inventors display great appreciation for the beauty of the world around them.

Read the claim from paragraph 2. "There is nothing more American than saying, 'If you don’t succeed, try, try again.'" How does the author support the claim?

• The author supports the claim with examples of times when Americans demonstrated determination.

• The author supports the claim with examples of future explorations that will require determination.

• The author supports the claim with opinions about what determination means and why it is important.

• The author supports the claim with opinions about when determination is required and how it is displayed.

Based on the context of paragraphs 6 and 7, what does unprecedented mean?

• challenging

• extraordinary

• necessary

• prosperous